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Tony Byers, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Programs, explains the benefits of our Modern Chief Diversity Program.

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University is the preeminent educational institution in the world focused on work, employment and labor. Our research, teaching and outreach have helped shape the imperatives of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) for leading organizations in both the public and private sectors.

We have created a new opportunity for qualified people to help you shape the future and impact of your organization's role of Chief Diversity Officer. The program is designed to enhance the effective practice of DE&I leaders. In this program, you will:

  • Learn from experienced DE&I leaders, scholars and practitioners
  • Gain behind-the-scenes insights and practice for your DE&I scenarios
  • Improve your situational understanding
  • Network with senior executives responsible for DE&I at other organizations

This program takes accomplished leaders from different backgrounds and prepares them to implement effective DE&I strategies. You join discussions with leading practitioners and Cornell faculty, who will share insights on the most pressing challenges faced by CDOs and evaluate potential solutions.

You'll also have the opportunity to delve deeply into your own organization’s practices and challenges. You can use the expertise of a network of scholars to help define specific solutions. When you've completed this program, you will have displayed mastery of the unique skillsets of  DE&I leaders, understanding how to implement meaningful strategies at your organization.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion from The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

 

Program Topics

  • The CDO Role
    Unique competencies and top behaviors of the CDO role
  • From P&L Leader to DE&I Leader
    Making the transition to the CDO requires different approaches and strategies
  • Comprehensive DE&I Strategy
    Rationale and examples of expanding DE&I strategies to include innovation
  • DE&I Metrics
    Understanding and capturing meaningful metrics – methods, items and outcomes
  • Aligning Organizational Commitment with Action
    Aligning company DE&I commitments with community demands for change
  • DE&I Relationships that Add Value
    Process for identifying appropriate relationships for leading DE&I change
  • Resistance to DE&I Change
    Effective practices for managing resistance to change among senior leaders

     

Who Should Attend?

This is a hands-on program targeted to business leaders who:

  • Recently transitioned to the CDO role (within the last three years)
  • Have 10-15 years of professional, leadership experience in a business line, human resources, or other function outside the traditional DE&I path
  • Directly report to the CHRO, CEO or C-suite executive responsible for DE&I in your organization

Take the Next Step

Get in Touch

Our program manager is here to help.

Schedule and Price

This program is being offered in a blended format, combining interactive live virtual programming and a highly immersive in-person component.

Now accepting enrollment for Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 19 – October 10, 2024

  • Sept 19 - Oct 3: live-virtual programming meets once weekly
  • Oct 8-10: In-person programming in NYC

Live virtual instruction via Zoom
Location of the in-person program: NYC Conference Center at Cornell ILR, 570 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY

Program cost: $10,950 (CAHRS partner organizations receive a discount.)

Dates are subject to change, as we monitor the impact of the pandemic.

Registration:

Qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis. Early applications are encouraged. The program is capped at 25 participants.